Sheet feeding apparatus



June 23, 1942. I w. E. SCHNEIDER EI'AL 2,287,140

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed March 26, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l S3 in INVENTORS WALTER E. SCHNEIDER LEO C.W|LL|AMS EDWARD J. YEO

AGENT June 23, 1942. w IDE E L 2,287,140

I I SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed March 26, 1941 .4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I H i115? INVENTORS 0 WALTER E. SCHNEIDER LEO c. WILLIAMS Go I EDWARD J. YEO Y Y AGENT' June 1942- 7' w E. SCHNEIDER 1- AL I 2,287,140

' SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed March 26, l94l' 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. 5

INVENTORS WALTER E. SCHNEiDER' LEO C. WILLIAMS EDWARD J. YEO' AGENT Patented June 23, 1942 SHEET FEEDING ArrAnA'rUs Walter E. Schneider, Leo C. Williams, and Edward J. Yeo, Pearl River, N..Y., assignors to Dexter Folder Company, Pearl River, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application March 26, 1941, Serial No. 385,242

20 Claims. (Cl. 271-56) This invention relates to sheet feeders and more particularly to sheet calipering or excess sheet detecting mechanisms thereof employed to prevent a sheet feeder from feeding more than one sheet. at a time to a printing press or sheet fed machine. The present invention while capable of use in sheet by sheet feeders is particularly adapted for embodiment in stream feeders wherein the sheets are advanced in lapped relation from a pile or supply to a printing press or other instrumentality with which the feeder is associated.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved sheet calipering mechanism for stream feeders which will measure stream thickness as distinguished from sheet thickness, and

which will operate with absolute certainty on all.

sheets in spite of the fact that the overlap of the sheets varies as sheets of different sizes are handled in the feeder.

Another object of the present invention is to mined time with relation to each sheet added to the stream whereby said operation will be performed on a predetermined number of'sheets in the stream including the sheet added thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved sheet caliperingv mechanism for sheet feeders which,.when actuated due to feeding of an excesssheet or sheets, isheld in actuated position by novel means for this purpose to prevent resetting thereof until sheet feeder control means associated'with and controlled by said mechanism is rendered effective to stop the feeder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders and wherein the calipering operation is accomplished by a rotary member which is normally disposed out of calipering position, and s0 operated and controlled that it makes one revolution only during each cycle of operation of the feeder and substantially at the same surface speed as that of the sheets to be calipered.

These and other objects of the present invention will appear as the following description thereof proceeds and in order to more clearly understand said invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment of said invention.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view of a stream feeder embodying sheet calipering mechanism constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevation, partly in section, of the feeder and sheet calipering mechanism shown in'Fig. 1; g V

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation, partly in section,of the sheet calipering mechanism and feeder control means, showing the parts in theirnormal positions when no excess sheet or sheets are fed Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevation, partly in section, of the sheet calipering mechanism and feeder. control means shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the parts of the sheet calipering mechanism and the feeder control means in their positions when an excess sheet or sheets are fed;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side elevation of driving and control means for the sheet calipering mechanism shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of part of the driving and control means shown in Fig. '7; and I Fig. 9 is a side elevation showingdiagrammatb cally the manner in which the sheets are separated and forwarded in lapped relation from a I supply of sheets.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, the various movable parts of the feeder, as well as certain stationary parts thereof, are all mounted on a frame comprisedby front uprights 5 and rear uprights 6 at opposite sidesof the feeder, the front uprights 5 having heads I bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto and the rear uprights 6 having heads 8 bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto (Figs. 1 and 2). The heads '7 and 8 are connected together by spacedside members 9 and I0 bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto. The front heads '1 are connected together by stay shafts H, l2 and i3 which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to said heads, and the rear heads 8 are connected together by a stay shaft 14 boltedor otherwise suitably secured thereto.

Extending transversely of the feeder and driven from any suitable source of power is a shaft 15 each end of which is journalled in a bracket l6 (Fig. 2) bolted or otherwise suitably secured on the adjacent heads 1. The shaft i5 also extends through and is journalled in brackets I1 and I8 which are spaced inwardly from the front heads I and secured .in any suitable manner to said heads and to the stay shafts l2 and I3 extending therethrough. Fixed on each end of 1 the shaft I5 and located in a suitable opening in the adjacent front head I is a worm I3 which meshes and drives a corresponding worm gear also located in said opening.

The worm gears 24 are fixed on shafts 2| (Figs. 1 and 2) which extend longitudinally of the feeder near the top and at opposite sides thereof and are journalled in suitable bearings formed in the front heads I and in brackets 22 that are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the side members I0. Fixed on the shafts 2| are sheaves 23 provided with teeth that are engaged by the links of chains 24 which pass over said sheaves and have corresponding ends attached as by couplings 25 to the side bars 25 of a pile elevator including said chains. The pile elevator also includes cross beams 21 which are engaged over the side bars 26 and adapted to receive and support a pile board 28 and pile of sheets 29 thereon.

The elevator may be lowered to load it, and raised to bring the top of the pile to proper position for feeding. by any suitable means for these purposes. Shaft I5 is then intermittently rotated in the usual manner by any well known means to raise the elevator step by step in order to maintain the top of the pile at the proper level as the sheets are fed therefrom in succession by means for this purpose hereinafter described. The construction of the pile elevator and its operation for purposes of loading and feeding sheets are well understood in the art and since the elevator per se forms no part of the present invention further description thereof is unnecessary. It is pointed out, however, that during step by step upward movement of the elevator imparted thereto as sheets are being fed from the top of the pile, the front of the pile is guided by P e guides 30 (Fig. 1) which are secured in any suitable manner on the feeder frame.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 2, the drive for the feeder is preferably comprised by a driven jack shaft 3| which, in turn, is driven from any suitable source of power (not shown). One end of this jack shaft 3| is journalled in a suitable bearing formed in a gear guard 32 which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the adjacent front head I. Disposed within the gear guard 32 and fixed on the jack shaft 3| is a bevel gear 33 which meshes with and drives a similar gear 34 also disposed within said guard and fixed on one end of a shaft 35 projecting therein. This shaft 35 extends transversely of the feeder and is journalled in suitable bearings in the front heads I and in the brackets II and I8. Fixed on the opposite end of the shaft 35 and driven thereby is a spurpinion 36 which meshes with and drives a spur gear 31 that is fixed on and drives a transversely extending cam shaft 38 which is journalled in suitable bearings in one of the front heads I and in the brackets l1 and I8. This cam shaft 38 is utilized to operate various parts of the feeder to be hereinafter described.

Fixed on the cam shaft 38 and disposed between the bracket II and the adjacent front head I is a bevel gear 39 (Figs. 1 and 2) which meshes with and drives a similar gear 40 that is fixed on the lower end of a vertical shaft 4| and serves to drive the same. This shaft 4! is journalled at the upper and lower ends thereof in suitable bearings formed on brackets 42 and 43, respectively, which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the adjacent front head I. Fixed on the upper end of the vertical shaft 4| is a bevel gear 44 which meshes with a similar gear 45 that is fixed on and drives a second cam shaft 45. This cam shaft 45 extends longitudinally of the feeder at one side thereof and is journalled in suitable bearings formed on brackets 41 and 48 which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the adjacent front head I and the adjacent rear head 3, respectively.

The sheets are separated one after another from the top of the pile 23 at the rear and opposite sides thereof by sheet separating mechanisms preferably of the general type disclosed in the United States Patent No. 2,208,304 granted July 16, 1940 to Edwin W. Goodwin. Referring to Fig. 1, these sheet separating mechanisms are located adjacent the upper rear corners of the pile of sheets and each includes suction sheet separating means comprised by a conduit 43, an arcuate housing 50 connected therewith, and a hollow arcuate member 5| slidable in the housing 50 and provided on the lower end thereof with a rubber suction cup 52. Vacuum is created in the arcuate housings 50 at predetermined intervals to cause the suction cups 52 to grip opposite rear corners of the succesive sheets and lift the rear edge thereof above the level of the pile. For this purpose, the conduits 49 have connected therewith corresponding ends of flexible conduits 53 the opposite ends of which are connected in any suitable manner with a suitable valve mechanism (not shown) which, in turn, is connected with a vacuum pump (not shown) or other suitable source of vacuum.

The separated sheets are forwarded in succession relative to the top of the pile 29 by suction sheet forwarding devices indicated broadly at 54 (Fig. 1) that act to continuously form a stream of lapped sheets each partly disposed upon the succeeding sheet in overlapping relation therewith as shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings. These sheet forwarding devices 54 are preferably mounted, constructed and operated in the same manner as the suction sheet forwarding devices disclosed in the United States Patent No. 2,208,- 304 mentioned above. The sheet forwarding devices 54 are comprised by cylinders 55 and rubber suction cups 56 which are vacuum operated in opposite directions to engage and lift the rear portion of each separated sheet. The cylinders 55 are carried on the free ends of horizontal arms 51 which are pivotally connected to the lower ends of vertically extending parallel arms 58 and 59 that impart horizontal reciprocating motion to the suction sheet forwarding devices 54. The arms 58 are adjustably secured to a transversely extending rock shaft 60 which is journalled in suitable bearings formed in brackets 6i that are adjustably mounted on the side members II) at opposite sides of the feeder. The arms 59 are rotatably mounted on a transversely extending shaft 62 that is secured in any suitable manner in the brackets 6|.

Horizontal reciprocating motion is imparted to the suction sheet forwarding devices 54 by a barrel cam 63 which is keyed to and slidable along the cam shaft 46. The cam 63 is located between the arms of one of the brackets 6| through which the cam shaft 46 extends to provide for longitudinal adjustment of said cam with said bracket. Extending in the groove of the cam 63 is a roller 64 which is journalled on the free end of an' arm 65 that is fixed on and rocks the rock shaft 50. It will thus appear that upon rocking of arm 65 an idler gear 82.

and shaft 68 by cam 63 and through the connection of arms 58 and 59 byarms 51, said arms will be moved forwardly and rearwardly and the sheet forwarding devices 54 will move forwardly and rearwardly to take andsforward the separated sheets successively and form a lapped stream thereof as previously pointed out.

Vacuum is created and broken in the sheet forwarding devices 54 at predetermined intervals such that when they are movedrearwardly they engage the topmost separated sheet and when they the moved forwardly they forward said sheet under and in lapped relation with a preceding forwarded sheet and there release "said first named forwarded sheet. For this purpose, the cylindersv 55 have connected therewith corresponding ends of flexible conduits 85 the opposite ends of which are connected in any suitable manner with a vacuum pump (not shown) or other source of vacuum through a suitable valve mechanism (not shown),

In the formation and advance of the stream of lapped sheets, each sheet gripped by the suction sheet forwarding devices 54 is forwarded relation with a preceding sheet to conveying means driven at slow speed, and preferably continuously, to enable lapping of the sheets thereon. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 8, this conveying rollers 68 cooperating with said feed roller to receive the forwarded sheets in lapped relation and advance said sheets to slow moving tapes 69 that convey a stream of the lapped sheets to a printthereby from the pile 29 under and in lapped roller '12 and is secured in any suitable manner against rotation in' the brackets l1 and II. The idler gear 82 meshes with and drives spur pinions 86 and 81- that are fixed on the outwardly projecting ends of the feed roller 51 and tape roller 12, respectively.

It will thus appear that the feed roller 81, tape roller 12 andthe tapes 89 are driven continuously and at 510w speed through the described driving connections therefor with the cam shaft 38. In this manner, a stream of lapped sheets is formed at the feed and pressure rollers 51, 88

and slowly advanced by the tape roller i2 and] tapes 89 toward the printing press or other sheet fed machine with the leading sheet of the stream uppermost. The sheets are guided in their movement from the feed roller 6' l to the tape roller 12 by transversely spaced tongues or. fingers (not shown) which bridge the space betweensaid rollg gs and are adjustably secured to the square bar In accordance with the present invention improved sheet calipering means is provided which is particularly suited for measuring stream thickness as distinguished from sheet thickness and effects stopping of the feeder or otherwise provides-for removing the excess sheets in the event anexcess sheet or sheets are present at a predetermined point in the stream and at a premeans comprises a feed roller 81 and pressure ing press or other machine with which the feed- 5 rear ends of said tapes pass around and are driven by a roller 12 having the same surface speed of rotation as that of the feed roller 61. The tape roller 12 extends transversely of the feeder and is journalled at opposite ends thereof in suitable bearings in brackets 13 which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the brackets l1 and i8. The upper reaches of the tapes 69 pass over an idler roller I4, and the lower reaches of said tapes pass around an idler roller l5and tape tightening rollers 16. The idler rollers 14 and 15 extend transversely of the feeder and are journalled at opposite ends thereof in suitable bearings in the brackets l1 and I8, and the tape tightening rollers 18 are journalled on arms 11 which are adjustably secured to the stay shaft I3. The feed roller 61, tape roller 12 and the tapes 89 are driven continuously and at slow speed from the cam shaft 38 by suitable gearing including a spur gear I8 (Fig. 2) that is fixed on and driven by said shaft. This spur gear 18 meshes with and'drives a spur gear 19 that is fixed on and drives a short shaft 88 journalled in suitable hearings in the bracket I1 and the adjacent front head 1. Fixed on and driven by the short shaft 88 is a spur gear 8| which meshes with and drives This idler gear 82 is journalled on the turned down end 83 of a square bar 84 having its opposite end turned down as indicated at 85. The square bar 84 extends transversely of sheet calipering mechanism is preferably mountoutwardly projecting end of the hub 96. It will the feeder between the feed roller 81 and the tape thus appear that due to the formation of the anisms indicated broadly at 88 and 89 (Fig. 2),

are identical in construction and operation and a description of one of said mechanisms will therefore be sufiicient for both of the same. Each ed, constructed and operated as follows.

Engaged over the square bar 84 is a bracket 98 (Figs. 4 and 5) which extends upwardly between the feed roller 61 and the tape roller 12 and is held against displacement from said bar by a plate 9| which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the underside of said bracket. The

bracket 98 and parts carried thereby hereinafter described may be adjusted laterally of the feeder along the square bar- 84 in accordance with variations in width of the sheets handled in the feeder and may be secured in any desired position of adjustment by a thumb screw 92 or the like. Disposed between the feed roller 61 and the tape roller 12 and preferably beneath the path of travel of the sheets, is a rotary sheet calipermg member 93. As herein shown, this sheet calipering member 93 is preferably in the form of a disc substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of the feed roller 8! and undercut as indicated at 94 to provide an abbreviated sheet engaging surface 95 preferably curved concentrically with the axis of rotation thereof.

The sheet calipering member-93 is preferably carried by the bracket 98 to enable lateral adjustment therewith, and for this purpose said member is provided with along hub 86 (Fig. 5) which extends through and is journalled in a suitable bearing in said bracket. Endwise displacement of the sheet calipering member 93 from the bracket 98 is prevented bya collar 91 which is secured in any suitable manner on the the sheet calipering member 93, only the surface 95 thereof will engage the sheets and for a part only of each revolution of said member as shown ih Figs. 4 and 6. while the undercut portion 94 ated that it makes only one complete revolution during each cycle of operation of the feeder and substantially at the same surface speed as the surface speed of fo'rwardtravel of the sheets.

This operation of the sheet calipering member 93 may be accomplished in various ways as, for example, by employing a relatively large disc hav inga circumference equal to the surface speed of travel of the sheets, undercut as described and driven continuously at cam shaft speed. However, as herein shown and to enable employment of a relatively small sheet calipering member. said operationis preferably accomplished as follows. ,1 K

Secured to the feed roller 81 on the projecting end thereof opposite that carrying the spur pinion 95 is a spur pinion 99 (Figs. 2, 3 and 7) which meshes with and drives an idler gear 99 that is Journalled on a stud I secured in-any suitable manner in the bracket I9. This idler gear 99 meshes with and drives a spur pinion IOI having the same number of teeth as the spur pinion 99 and loosely mounted on a sleeve I02 (Fig. 8) provided on one end thereof with a circular head I03. The sleeve I02 is keyed, as indicated at I04 (Fig. 8) to one end of a shaft I which extends transversely of the feeder through the brackets I1 and I8 and through the members 93 of the sheet calipering mechanisms 88 and 99. The shaft I05 is journalled in suitable bearings in the brackets I], I8, and provided longitudinally thereof with a keyway I06 (Fig. 5). Rotation is imparted to the sheet calipering members 93 by the shaft I05 through keys I01 which are secured in the hubs 95 of said members and engaged in and 'slidable along the keyway I06 inv said shaft. .It will thus appear that the brackets 90, the sheet calipering members 93 and the following described parts carried by each of said brackets may be adjusted laterally of the feeder in accordance with variations in width of the sheet handled in the feeder, and without disturbing the driving connections for shaft I05 with the members 93.

Engaged over the sleeve I02 and disposed on opposite sides of the spur pinion IOI are leather discs I09 (Fig. 8) which frictionally drive the shaft I05'through the medium of the circular head I03 of said sleeve and a flange I09 that is keyed to the sleeve I02, as indicated at H0. The flange I09 has sliding movement relative to the sleeve I02, and said flange, the leather discs I09, the spur pinion IN and the head I03 are retained .thereof a detent l24. over the circular head I03 of sleeve I 02 and is pering position during each cycle of operation of the feeder.

Mechanism is, therefore, provided to hold the sheetcalipering member 93 against rotation and with the sheet engaging surface 95 thereof out of sheet calipering position until a succeeding 'sheet has been added to the stream of sheets and advanced sufficiently to dispose the leading edge thereof a short distance beyond sheet calipering position, and them to release said member for rotation a single revolution only whereby the sheet engaging surface 95 is rotated once through sheetcalipering position to caliper Fixed on and rotated by the cam shaft 39 is a hub II4 having adjustably secured thereto, as by bolts H5, a cam disc IIIi (Figs. 2, 3 and -'l). The bolts II5 pass through arcuate slots II'I formed in the cam disc H6 and are threaded in suitable openings formed in the hub H4. The cam disc H6 is adapted to engage a roller II8 Journalled on the arm II9 of a bell crank lever I20 the other arm of which is indicated at I2I. The bell crank lever I20 is pivotally mounted on a pin I22 which is secured in any suitable manner in the bracket I9. Loosely mounted on the pin I22, between the bell crank lever I20 and the bracket I8, is an arm I23 having bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the underside This detent I24 extends adapted to engage a. shoulder I25 formed in the periphery of said head.

The arm I23 is connected with the bell crank lever I20 for rocking movement therewith by a bolt I26 which passes through a slot I21 formed in the arm I2I of said bell crank lever and is in frictional driving contact with each other by a spring III having one end engaging against the flange I09 and the opposite end engaging threaded in a suitable opening formed in the arm I23. The roller H9 is held in engagement with the cam disc I I6 by a spring pressed rod I28 having one end pivotally connected as at I29 with the arm I23 and the opposite end guided in a block I30 which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the bracket I9. The spring I3I for rod I29 is mounted thereon between the block I30 and a collar I32 adjustably secured to said rod. It will thus appear that the arm I23, through the described connection therefor with the bell crank lever I20, is cam operated in one direction and spring operated in the opposite direction by the cam disc II 6 and rod I28, respectively, to raise and lower the detent I24 into and out of engagement with the shoulder I25 on the circular head I03 once during each cycle of operation of the feeder.

It will further appear that when the detent I24 is engaged with the shoulder I25, the sheet calipering member 93 is held against rotation and in the normal position thereof shown in Fig. 1, the spur pinion IOI at this time slipping between the friction discs I09. However, when the high part of the-cam disc H9 engages the roller II9 upon continued rotation of said cam disc, the bell crank lever I20 is rocked clockwise as viewed in Fig. '7, and the detent I24 is raised out of engagement with the shoulder I25 on head I03, thereby releasing the shaft I05 for rotation by the spur pinion III through the friction discs I08. Thereupon the sheet calipering-member 93 is rotated a single revolution only from the position thereof shown in Fig. 1 and through sheet calipering position as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, at which time said'member is again stopped in 5 the first named position upon engagement of shoulder I25 with detent I24 which, in the meantime, has been lowered into the path of said shoulder through continued rotation of the cam disc H6 and action of the spring pressed rod I28. 10 The bolt and slot connection I26, I21 provides for adjustment of the detent I24 to insure proper engagement thereof with the shoulder I25 on head I03. k

Cooperating with the sheet calipering member 93 and preferably disposed above the path of travel of the sheets, is a normally stationary caliper element I33 (Figs. 4, 5 and 6). This caliper element I33 may be of any suitable form and as herein shown is prefer-ably in the form of a segment which is pivotally mounted on a pin I 34 secured in any suitable manner in an arm I35. This arm I35 is, in turn, carried by the bracket 90 to enable lateral adjustment therewith, and for this purpose said arm is pivotally mounted 5 on a bushing I36 (Fig. 5) which is secured in any suitable manner in said bracket. Threadedin a suitable opening in the free end of the arm I35 is an adjusting screw I31 which engages a stud I38 that is secured in any suitable manner in an extension I39 of the bracket 90. 'The screw I31 is provided with a knurled operating head I40, and said screw is held in adjusted positions by a pointed spring pressed pin IdI carried by the arm I and engaging in the teeth of the 35 knurling on the head I40. The screw I31 is held in engagement with the stud I38 by a pull spring I42 having one end connected with the arm I35 and its opposite end connected with the extension I39. Rotation of the screw I31 in either in direction will result in raising or lowering of the arm I35 and the caliper element I33 so that a space equal to the thickness of a single sheet or the thickness of a predetermined number of lapped sheets is left between said caliper element and the sheet calipering member 93 when the sheet engaging surface 95 of'the latter is rotated into sheet calipering position.

The sheets are guided between the member 93' and the element I33 by upper and lower guide so plates I43 and I44, respectively, which are spaced apart to provide adequate clearance for free forward travel of the sheets (Figs. 4, 5 l and 6). The guide plate I43 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the extension I39 of 55 bracket 90 andprovided with a suitable opening I 45 to receive the caliper element I33, and the guide plate I44 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the bracket 90 and provided with a suitable opening I46 to receive the sheet caliper- C0 ing member 93.

The caliper element I33 has fixed thereon and projecting laterally therefrom a pin I41 with which is engaged the forked end of an arm I48 (Figs. 4, 5 and 6). The arm I48 is keyed to a shaft I49 which is provided longitudinally thereof with a keyway I50 to enable lateral adjustrnent of said arm without disturbing the connection therefor with said shaft. This shaft I49 extends transversely of the feeder through 0 the bushings I36 in the brackets90 of the sheet calipering mechanisms 83, 89 and is journalled in suitable bearings in the brackets I1 and I8.

Fixed on one end of the shaft I49 is an arm I5I (Figs. 2 and 3) having-connected therewith one 75 end of a pull spring I52. The opposite end of the spring I52 is connected with a collar I 53 which is adjustably secured to a shaft I54 that extends transversely of the feeder and is fixed at opposite ends thereof in the brackets I1 and I8. The spring I52 normally-tends to turn the ment I33 are normally disposed in the positions thereof shown in Fig. 4 determined by engage:

. ment of said caliper element with a pin I55 which is secured in and projects laterally from the arm I35.

Lateral adjustment of the arm I48 is-accomplished with the bracket 90 and the hereinbefore described parts carried thereby, and for this purpose said brackethas secured therein and projecting laterally therefrom a pin I56 having bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto a plate I51 which extends downwardly beyond the top and at the side of said arm.

Fixed on the shaft I49 and disposed adjacent the bracket I1 is a rearwardly extending arm I58 having bolted or otherwise suitably secured, on the upper side thereof a detent I59 (Figs. 4, 5 and 6). "This detent I59 is normally disposed in the position thereof shown in Fig. 4 to prevent rocking movement past the same of sheet feeder control means including an abutment I60 that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the free end of a downwardly and rearwardly curved arm I6I. This arm I6I is fixed on one end of a stub shaft I62 which extends through and is journailed in a suitable bearing in a horizontally extending lug I63 of a bracket I64 that is pinned or otherwise suitably secured to the shaft I54. Fixed on the opposite end of the stub shaft I62 is a forwardly extending arm I65 having pivotally connected therewith as at I66 the lower end of The a vertically disposed connecting link I61. upper end of the connecting link I61 is pivotally connected, as at I68 (Fig.2), with one arm I69 of a bell crank lever I10 the other arm of which is indicated at; IN. This bell crank lever I10 is pivotally mounted, as at I12, on the bracket 42.

Journalled on the arm I69 of bell crank lever I10 is a roller I13 which is adapted to engage-a cam I14 (Figs. 1 and 2) that is fixed on and rotated by the cam shaft 46. Also pivotally connected with the arm I69 of bell crank lever I10 is one end of a spring pressed rod I15 the opposite end of which is guided in a suitable opening in a block I16 which is secured in and projects laterally from the bracket 42. The spring I11 for rod I15 is mounted thereon between the block I16 and a collar I18 adjustably secured on said rod. Connected with the free end of the arm I1I of the bell crank lever I10 is a rod I19 (Fig. 2)

. which is connected with well known mechanism (not shown) for stopping or tripping the feeder in the event an abnormal condition arises in the feeding of the sheets.

It will thus appear that the bell crank lever I10, through engagement of abutment I60 with detent I59, is normally held against. rocking movement by the cam I14 and rod' I15. Under these conditions no movement will be imparted to the rod I19 and consequently normal feeding of the sheets in succession proceeds. without interruption. When, however, the caliper element I33 is actuated as hereinafter described, the detent .I59, through the described connections therefor with said caliper element, is rocked from the position thereof shown in Fig. 4 to the position thereof shown in Fig. 6. Under these conditions the detent I50 is moved out of the path of movement of abutment I and the roller I13 onbell crank lever I is permitted to follow the low part of the cam I14 upon continued rotation thereof with the result that the rod I10 is actuated and the feeder stopping or tripping mechanism (not shown) is rendered effective thereby to stop or trip the feeder.

Means are provided for holding the detent I50 in zctuated position as shown in Fig. 6 to prevent premature resetting of the same and the caliper element I03 until the roller I10 on bell crank lever I10 has moved into the low part of the cam I14 and the rod I10 is actuated to effect stopping or tripping of the feeder. Any suitable means may be provided for this purpose, but as herein shown said means is preferably comprised by a stop element in the form of a downwardly and forwardly curved arm I00 (Figs. 4, 5 and 6) which is pivotally mounted on a pin IOI that is secured in any suitable manner in the bracket I04. This arm I00 normally rests by gravity against the detent I50 which as shown in Fig. 5 projects laterally from the arm I50 for this purpose. It

will thus appear that when the detent I50 is actuated as hereinafter described to the position thereof shown in Fig. 6, the arm I00 will immediately swing by gravity over the top of said detent into the path of return movement thereof, thus preventing resetting of the latter and the caliper element I33 prior to operation of the abutment I00 and the rod I19 through the described connections therefor with the cam I14.

Return movement of the arm I00 to its normal position shown in Fig. 4 may be accomplished in any suitable manner and by any suitable means for this purpose, but as herein shown, is accomplished manually as follows. Loosely mounted on the worm shaft I5 is a bell crank lever I02 (Fig. 1) having one arm I03 provided with a handle I04, and another arm I05. This arm I05 of hell crank lever I02 has pivotally the pin I00 with the hook portion IOI of arm I00.

andlifting the latter but of, the path ofreturn movement of the detent I50. Whenthe caliper element I03 and the detent I50 areagain reset as shown in Fig. 4, the handle I04 is raised to its original position (Fig. 1,) thereby lowering the pin I00 to permit the arm I00 to again rest by ayity against the detent I50 for subsequent p'eratlon thereof.

I e operation of the feeder and the sheet lipering mechanisms is as follows. Assuming at the sheets are to be calipered on their left I hand side marginal edges (Fig. 2) in which case the sheet calipering mechanism .00 'will be employed and the other mechanism 00 will be moved along the bar 04 out of operating position on the right hand marginal edges of the sheets. Also, assuming that the surface speed of rotation of the feed roller 01 as well as the surface speed of travel of the tapes 50 is, 'for'example, fifteen inches per cycle of operation of the feeder, and thatsheets, for example, twenty-fiv inches long are being handled in the feeder. Under these conditions each sheet separated from the pile will" be forwarded and added to the stream after the preceding sheet has been advanced fifteen inches resulting, in thecase of the twenty-five inch sheet, in an underlap of ten inches and anormal stream thickness of two sheets. It will be understood that the extent of underlapdecreases as the length of the sheets decreases, and increases as the-length of the sheets increases, resultingin a variation in the normal thickness of the stream from two to probably four sheets within the range of the feeder. For example, in the handling of sheets thirty-five inches long the extent of un derlap will be twenty inches with the result that the third sheet added to the stream will not only underlap the preceding or second sheet by twenty inches but will also underlap the first sheet by five inches thus forming a stream having a normal thickness of three sheets. J

The various mechanisms of the feeder having been properly timed with relation to each other,

and the caliper element I00 having been adjusted I forwarding devices 54 have moved to their rearmost position and gripped the rear portion of the lifted separated sheet which is then released from the cups 52 by breaking of vacuum therein.

The devices 54 now move'forward carrying the separated sheet in-the same direction therewith until the front edge of the sheet is delivered thereby between the feed roller 01 and the pressure rollers 08 under and in lapped relation with Y a previously forwarded sheet engaged'between and being fed by said rollers.

The cups 56 of the sheet forwarding devices 54 breaking of vacuum in said cups. The sheet forwarding devices 54 then-move rearwardly to en- The other'arm I00 of bell crank lever I00 a e the next sheet which in the meantime has been separated from the pile so that there is con tinuously supplied tothe rollers 01 and" 00 a stream of'lapped sheets whichfin turn, is moved slowly and continuously by the'tapes 00 to the.

printing press or-macliine that takes theleading uppermost sheets successivelyfrom the stream for performance'of'th printing or other opera. tion thereon.

when the leadingzed ge of each added sheet is disposed slightly beyond sheet calipering positionas shown in Fig. 4; during forward movement thereof with the sheet lapped therewith from the rollers 01. 00 to the tapes 00, the 'high pa-rt of the cam IIO upon continued rotation thereof will then engage the roller II 0 and rock the bell crank lever I20 clockwise as viewed in Fig. 7, thus raising the detent I24 out of engagement with the shoulder I25 on the head I00,.and releasing the shaft I05 for rotation by the 'spur pinion IOI through the friction discs "I00. Thereupon the sheet calipering member 00 is rotated one cornplete revolutionand substantially at the same surface speed as the surface speed of travel of the lapped sheets..so that the surface 05 of said member is moved from the position shown in, Fig.

1, through the sheet calipering position shown in i fected by the spring I52.

raised'to its original position (Fig. 1) to lower through subsequent lowering of the detent I24 upon continued rotation of the cam I16 and engagement of the shoulder I25 therewith. During rotation of the sheet calipering member 93 as aforesaid, the surface 95 of said member will engage the lapped sheets at substantially the same surface speed of travel thereof and lift said sheets toward the caliper element I33 as shown in Fig. 4. If, during such engaging and lifting movement of the lapped sheets by the sheet calipering member 93, there is no additional sheet or sheet thick ness present, the caliper element I33 and the detent I59 will remain stationary in the positions thereof shown in Fig. 4. In such event, the roller I13, due to engagement of the abutment I60 with the detent I59, cannot follow the low. part of the cam I1 1 to rock the bell crank lever I and rod I19, and the normal feeding of the sheets in succession will thus proceed without interruption.

Assuming now that two sheetsare forwarded simultaneously by the sheet forwording devices 54 under and in lapped relation with the preceding sheet as shown in Fig. 6. In this event, and with an extra thickness in the stream at the calipering position, the caliper element I33 will. upon rotation of the sheet calipering member 93 and engagement of the surface '95 thereof with the abnormal stream thickness, be rotated counterclockwise about its pivotal axis I34 through frictional contact of the forwardly moving sheets therewith as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. Such rotation of the caliper element I33 causes the pin I51 thereon to rotate the arm I 48 and shaft I49 counter-clockwise and thus rock the detent I59 downwardly out of the path of movement of the abutment I50, whereupon the arm I80 swings by gravity over the top of said detent to hold the same in lowered position, all as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. v

When the detent I59 is lowered as aforesaid. the roller I13 may then follow the low part of the cam I16 upon continued rotation thereof, thus rocking the bell crank lever I10 counter-clockwise (Fig. 2) and actuating the rod I19. Actuation of the rod I19 results in operation of the feeder stopping or tripping mechanism (not shown) which is connected with said rod, and stopping of the feeder.

Upon stopping of the feeder, the added and excess sheets are removed from the stream, at

which time the handle I84 is moved downwardly,

to raise the pin I90 and thu lift the arm I80 out of the path of return movement of the detent I59. The feeder is then again started by suitable means for this purpose, whereupon the roller I13 on bell crank lever I10 is engaged by the high part of the cam I14-upon rotation thereof, thereby rocking said bell crank lever clockwise as viewed in Fig. 2 and returning the rod I19 and the abutment I60 to their original positions shown in Figs. 2 and 4, respectively. The detent I59 and the caliper element 133 are then returned to their original positions, all as shown in Fig. 4, through clockwise rotation of the shaft I49 ef- The handle I84is then each cycle of operation of the feeder as, forexample, sheets eighteen inches long, the extent of underlap will be, in the case of a fifteen-inch or sheet thickness instead of -a normal stream thickness of two sheets.

This delayed sheet calipering operation may be accomplished by loosening the bolts I I5 and turning the cam disc IIB clockwise (Fig. 7) on the huh I I4, the cam-shaft 38 being driven in the direction of the arrow indicated in said figure.

- is to be understood that when the sheet caliperthe pin I and enable subsequent operation of ing operation is performed on a single sheet or sheet thickness as above described, the caliper element I 33 must also be adjusted to provide a space for the free passageof a single sheet or sheet thickness only between said element, and the surface of the sheet calipering member 93.

The above described delayed sheet calipering operation is equallyimportant where a normal stream thickness of three of four sheets is formed by sheets that are slightly longer than twice or three times, respectively, the surface speed or forward movement of the sheets for each cycle of operation of the feeder. A condition then exists where the tail of a first sheet slightly laps with the head of a third or fourth sheet. For example, in the feeding of sheets thirty-three inches long, the third sheet added to'the stream will not only underlap the second sheet by eighteen inches but'will also underlap the first sheet by three inches. This short overlapping of the first sheet with respect to the third sheet is insufficient to enable effective performance of the calipering operation on the normal stream thickness of three sheets, therefore'the sheet calipering operation isdelayed as hereinbefore described until the. tail of the first sheet has moved slightly beyond the sheet calipering position, in which event the sheet calipering operation will be effective on two sheets instead of the' normal stream thicknes of three sheets. Of course, the caliper element I 33 must also 'be adjusted accordingly to provide a space for the free passage of.

only two sheets instead of three sheets.

It will be noted that the calipering member 93, or particularly the calipering sheet engaging surface 95 thereof, is normally disposed out of proper time to assure'that a sheet or a predetermined number of sheets are passing between the calipering member and the calipering element. The calipering mechanism described herein is particularly suited for positioning in a limited space, such as between a feed roller 61 and a tape roller 12 spaced relatively near thereto, because the intermittent bringing of the caliper ing surface into calipering position permits the calipering member to be of relatively small size.

The calipering mechanism described herein has general applicability, although it is particularly suited for stream feeding of sheets because the mechanism can be set for calipering, say, two sheets and will not trip when a normal stream thickness of three vsheets passes thereby. In-

without modification equally adaptable to sheet feeders wherein the sheets are advanced. singly one after another in spaced relation to a printing press or other instrumeritality.

Further, a sheet calipering mechanism constructed and operated in accordance with the present invention is capable of arrangement and operation at any desired point in a stream of -lapped sheets between the front and rear ends thereof. I

It is therefore to be expressly understood that, as indicated by the above description, the term predetermined number" as hereinafter employed is intended to apply to a single sheet or sheet thickness as well as plural sheets or a plural sheet thickness, and that the present inven tion is not limited to the embodiment or location thereof herein illustrated and described or otherwise than by the terms of the appended claimsn i What we claim is:

1. In a sheet calipering. mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element;

a rotary sh'eet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time .is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface normally disposed out of sheet calipering positionrand means for rotating the sheet calipering member I .at predetermined intervals in one direction only to move the sheet engaging surface thereof through sheet caliperin Position.

an abbreviated sheet engaging surface normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for rotating the sheet calipering member at predetermined intervals one complete revolution only and at a speed substantially equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets whereby the sheet engaging surface thereof is moved through sheet calipering position once only for each feeding cycle and substantially at sheet speed.

4. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets 'at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; means for rotating the sheet calipering member at predetermined intervals one complete revolution only and at a uniform speed substantially equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets whereby the sheet engaging surface thereof is moved through sheet calipering position once only for each feeding cycle and substantially at sheet speed; and adjustable means for controlling the operation of the sheet calipering member and for adjusting the time of the sheet calipering operation thereof.

v 5. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders having a sheet feeder control mechanism:

- a normally stationary caliper element adapted to 2. In a sheet, calipering mechanism for sheetfeeders': a normally stationary saliper element: a

' rotary sheeticalipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliperelement to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined numberof sheets at a time is passed between the same-and said sheet calipering member', said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engagingsurface normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for rotating the sheetcalipering member tion only to move the sheet engaging surface thereof through sheet calipering position dnce only, for each feeding cycle.

3. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally-stationary caliper. element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed-between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having at predetermined intervals one complete revolube operatively connected with the sheet feeder control mechanism; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to eiIect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member being normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for rotating the sheet calipering member in one direction only and to bring the calipering member into sheet calipering position.

6. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders having a sheet feeder control mechanism: a normally stationary'caliper element adapted to be operatively connected with the sheet feeder control mechanism; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined .number of sheets at a time is passed between thesame and said sheet-calipering member, said sheet caliperingmember being normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; means to bring said sheet calipering member into cooperating calipering position with the stationary caliper element at predetermined intervals; and means for rotating the]: sheet calipering member in one direction on y.

7. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders having a sheet feeder control mechanism: a normally stationary caliper element adapted to be operatively connected with the sheet feeder control mechanism; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with. said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined, number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member being normally disposed out of sheet calipering position: means to bring said sheet calipering member into cooperating calipering position with the stationary. caliper element at predetermined intervals; means for rotating the sheet calipering member in one direction only; and adjustable means for controlling the operation of the sheet calipering member and for adjusting the time of the sheet calipering operation thereof.

8. In a sheet feeder: the combinationvof means for advancing a stream of lapped sheets toward a machine to be fed; and sheet calipering means cooperatively associated with said stream advancing means and comprising a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said' caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of lapped sheets at a time passes between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface normally disposed out of calipering position; and means for rotating the sheet calipering member at predetermined intervals one complete revolution only to move the sheet engaging surface thereof through calipering position once only during each feeding cycle and at a time when a predetermined number of lapped sheets are in position for the calipering operation.

9. In a sheet feeder: the combination of means for forwarding sheets in lapped relation one after another from a pile or supply of sheets; means .for advancing a stream of the lapped sheets toward a machine to be fed; and sheet calipering means cooperatively associated with said stream advancing means and comprising a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of lapped sheets at a time passes between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface normally disposed out of calipering position; and means for rotating the sheet calipering member in timed relation with each forwarded sheet one complete revolution only so that the sheet engaging surface thereof is moved through calipering position once only during each feeding cycle and at a time when a predetermined number of lapped sheets including the forwarded sheet are in position for the calipering operation.

10. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheetengaging surface; and means for rotating the sheet calipering member one complete revolution only during each cycle of operation of the feeder and at a uniform speed substantially equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets whereby the sheet engaging. surface thereof is rotated through sheet calipering position once only in each feeding cycle substantially at sheet speed and always in the direction of travel of the sheets.

11. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to eflect determined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface; means for rotating the sheet calipering member; means for normally holding the sheet calipering member.

against rotation by said first named means and with the sheet engaging surface thereof normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for operating said holding means at predetermined intervals to release the sheet calf-- pering member and enable rotation of the latter by said first named means whereby the. sheet engaging surface thereof is rotatedat predetermined intervals through sheet calipering position.

' 12. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface; means for rotating the sheet calipering member at a speed equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets; means for normally holding the sheet calipering member against rotation by said first named means and with the sheet engaging surface thereof normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for controlling the operation of said holding means whereby the sheet calipering member is released at predeter mined intervals to enable rotation of the same by said first named means and movement of the sheet engaging surface thereof at sheet speed through sheet calipering position.

ing an abbreviated sheet engaging surface; means for rotating the sheet calipering member; means for normally holding-the sheet calipering member against rotation by said first named means and with the sheet engaging surface thereof normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for controlling the operation of said holding means whereby the sheet calipering member is releasedfor rotation at a predetermined time during each cycle of operation of the feeder and stopped after the same has been retated one complete revolution so that the sheet engaging surface of said member is moved through sheet calipering position at a predetermined time and once only during each feeding cycle.

1 1. In a sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element; a rotary sheet calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said sheet calipering memher, said sheet calipering member having an ab-' breviated sheet engaging surface; means for rotating the sheet calipering member at a speed c equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets;

actuation thereof in the event more than a premember against rotation by said first named calipering mechanism for sheet means and with the sheet engaging surface thereof normally disposed out of sheet calipering position; and means for controlling the operation of said holding means whereby the sheet calipering member is released for rotation at a a predetermined time during each cycle of operation of the feeder and stopped after the same has been rotatedune complete revolution so that the sheet engaging surface of said member is moved through sheet calipering position at sheet speed once only during each feeding cycle.

- 15. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary caliper element;

passed between the same and said sheet calipering member, said sheet calipering member having an abbreviated sheet engaging surface; means including a friction slip connection for rotating the sheet calipering member at a uniform speed equal to the surface speed of the passing sheets; a detent for normally holding the sheet calipering member against rotation by said first named means and with the sheet engaging surface thereof normally disposed out of sheet caliper-ing position; and cam means for controlling the operation of said detent whereby rotation of the sheet calipering member is effected at a predetermined time during each cycle of operation of the feeder and for a single revolution only so that the sheet engaging surface thereof is moved through sheet calipering position once only during each feeding cycle and at sheet speed.

16. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary freely movable caliper element; a driven member spaced from able reciprocation of the sheet feeder control means; and means for'holding said last named:

means in operated position to prevent resettinl thereof prior to operation of said sheet feeder control means.

'18. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary pivotally mounted caliper element; a driven rotary calipering member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect rotation thereof in the J sheet feeder control means to prevent reciprocation thereof, said member being connected with said caliper element and rendered operative on rotation thereof to enable reciprocation of the feeder control means.

19. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary freely movable caliper element; a driven member spaced from passed between the same and said driven mem ber; sheet feeder control means; means for normally rendering said sheet feeder control means ineffective, said means being associated with said caliper element and rendered operative on actuation thereof to render the sheet feeder control means effective; and means for holding said last named means in operated position to prevent premature resetting thereof.

17. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders: a normally stationary freely movable caliper element; a driven member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said driven member; reciprocating sheet feeder control means; means for normally preventing reciprocation of said sheet feeder control means, said means being associated with said caliper element and rendered operative on actuation thereof to enand cooperating with said caliper element to effect actuation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number of sheets at a time 'is passed between the same and said caliper element; normally ineffective sheet feeder control means associated with the caliper element and rendered effective thereby on actuation thereof I and means for holding the caliper element in actuated position to prevent premature resetting thereof.

20. In a sheet calipering mechanism for sheet feeders; a normally stationary pivotally mounted caliper element; a driven rotary calipering. member spaced from and cooperating with said caliper element to effect rotation thereof in the event more than a predetermined number. of sheets at a time is passed between the same and said calipering member; reciprocating sheet feeder control means including an abutment; a rotatably mounted detent normally disposed in the path of movement of said abutment to prevent reciprocation of sheet feeder control means, said detent being connected with said caliper element and adapted to -be rotated thereby out of said path to enable-reciprocation of the sheet feeder control means; and a pivotally mounted stop elementnormally resting by gravity against said dete'nt and movable thereover immediately upon rotation thereof to hold the same in operated position.

WALTER E. SCHNEIDER. LEO C. WILLIAMS. EDWARD J YEO. 

